So you've sent out your resume to a million recruiters and not really heard from the one's you were more than confident about. Have you ever wondered why? I'm sure you've done that too, but what you might not have considered doing was given your resume the once over that it warrants.

Most of the time when we write our own resume, we tend to assume that we've just about covered whatever is necessary. Unfortunately what we don't seem to realise is the fact that a lot more than experiences and skills have to be added to your resume. Your resume is the Professional You in a document, so it better be good. After all it is your first introduction to an employer and it has very little time to make a lasting impression. So be doubly sure that it has all the right ingredients. Given below are some of the factors that make up a good resume. Though not absolute, the list contains some of the aspects that a great resume is bound to have.

Turn the focus on accomplishments
Managed a quick turnaround, then say it out loud and clear. With different resume formats enabling easy assimilation of facts and figures, choosing the one that suits your needs shouldn't be very difficult. So pick one that will ensure that an employer gets all the facts in one easy glance and ensure it impressively lists all your best achievements and skills. This way you can be sure that your expertise is not missed when they skim through thousands of resumes and you stand a chance to be called for an interview.

Sow some keywords
You might have heard this one a million times and it still holds true. Keywords are what we use when we search for a particular job so it shouldn't be surprising if employers do the same when they search for jobseekers. Every industry or job role is bound to have jargons and words that exactly pertain to that vocation. So do some research and see how you can implant the appropriate keywords on your resume. Make sure you add a lot on the fisth page so that when an employer skims through your profile, s/he'll spend a lot more seconds than the usual 10 on yours.

Thou shalt not lie
Never ever go about spewing falsehood. You lost a job, took a break, constantly changed employers, whatever it might be there is always a nice way to put these down on paper. You obviously had a reason behind every episode so it would be better to let your resume talk about it rather than squirm in your seat when your interviewer asks you later. There is always a positive way to project things, even it is being laid-off, so choose to speak the truth, embellish it if there's a need but ensure it is nothing but the truth.

Make a pitch
You're the brand you're selling and making sure that your sales pitch is outstanding is the only way you stand a chance to bag an interview. So make sure your resume makes an impressive branding statement. It has to tell an employer why you're the perfect fit to even be considered for an interview. Therefore amaze them with the awards or other recognitions you've won. If there aren't any then elucidate why you're a unique hire in as little words as possible, keep them interested and curious to know more, the full detail however can be given during the interview.

Don't focus on what you want
Yes, you want the job but don't let that make you overlook the fact that an employer also has a need and a reason for hiring. So make sure your resume has a good branding angle that tells an employer why you're invaluable. Never ever go around talking about what you want to achieve in your career. Your USP should be what expertise you can provide and the way it can create greater value for the organisation, when you're hired.

Now everything works on first impressions, especially when it comes to your resume. So make sure your resume creates the right impact off the bat! After all you have just ten seconds to make an impression and if your resume cannot portray your genius in as little time as possible, chances are you'll be missed every time. So pick a format that makes it easy to read and assimilate; the information that you provide should be accessible easily. Keep it simple yet neat and succinct and make sure you brand yourself as the best as subtly as possible; after all you don't want your prospective employer thinking you're too big for your own boots!